Flexible carry bag with replaceable fluid bladder

ABSTRACT

A flexible carry bag for the transport and consumption of fluid by an individual, the flexible carry bag defining a receptacle for a flexible bladder formed of flexible resilient plastic such as polyethylene having a closure means at one end and pre-filled with the fluid, this flexible bladder insertable within the flexible carry bag such that its closure extends out of said carry bag, carry bag having a closure to allow access thereto by the user, the flexible carry bag having a strap or clip for the transport of the flexible bladder and flexible carry bag by the user.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation in part application of application Ser. No.10/732,852, in which Applicant claimed the benefit of provisionalapplication Ser. No. 60/464,999, filed Apr. 25, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a portable, flexible fluid containerfor individual use, and more particularly to a flexible container orcarry bag cooperative with a pre-filled fluid receptacle or bladder forthe receipt thereof and transportation and use, the fluid bladder andcarrying bag having complimentary shapes and dimensions.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Health conscious people are increasing consuming more water on a dailybasis. In doing so they are increasingly consuming bottled water incontainer sizes ranging from 8 ounces to 32 ounces. The number ofbottled water purveyors has increased dramatically as is evident fromtelevision and print advertising. It is not unusual to see aprofessional man or woman dressed in a suit walking down the street witha bottle of water in their pocket. This may oftentimes present aproblem, particularly if the bottle of water has recently been removedfrom a refrigerator or cooler such that condensation occurs on theoutside of the bottle which condensation is transferred to the clothingof the individual. Therefore there exists a need for a water containerfor the transport of water in a stylish fashion without affecting theclothing of the consumer. Applicant's invention is directed to acombination container which addresses this problem.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide for a novel flexiblefluid container for the transport of fluids, and in particular water, ina stylish and comfortable manner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide for a novelflexible fluid container for the transport and consumption of waterwhich can be worn on a strap.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide for anovel flexible fluid container in which a first flexible bladder havinga dispensing and closure means is positioned within a second absorbentcontainer having a closure means and a strap, or clip means fortransport.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A flexible carry bag for the transport and consumption of fluid by anindividual, the flexible carry bag defining a receptacle for a flexiblebladder formed of flexible resilient plastic such as polyethylene havinga closure means at one end and pre-filled with the fluid, this flexiblebladder insertable within the flexible carry bag such that its closuremeans extends out of said carry bag, carry bag having a closure means toallow access thereto by the user, the flexible carry bag having asupport means in the form of a strap or clip for the transport of theflexible bladder and flexible carry bag by the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent,particularly when taken in light of the following illustrations wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the flexible bladder in which fluid ispre-filled;

FIG. 2 is a front closed view of the flexible carry bag for receipt ofthe flexible bladder;

FIG. 3 is a front open view of the flexible carry bag; and

FIG. 4 is a rear open view of the flexible carry bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a front view of the flexible bladder receptacle 10 of thepresent invention which is essentially two dimensional when empty.Flexible bladder receptacle 10 assumes a kidney-when filled with fluid.It is constructed of polyethylene, or some other flexible plastic,preferably clear, and is secured about its periphery by heat seal 12 orsimilar sealing means. The general shape of flexible bladder receptacle10 may vary depending upon the shape of the flexible carry bag describedhereafter. For the purposes of disclosure, the flexible bladderreceptacle is illustrated is generally kidney-shaped, having a first end14 circumference greater than a second end 16 circumference. Positionedon second end 16 is a combination dispensing and closure means 18. Thedispensing and closure means 18 could comprise a twist off cap or apush-pull nipple arrangement, or any other suitable closure means. Theflexible bladder receptacle would be prefilled with the fluid, such aswater, and the closure means 18 would be secured thereto. The closuremeans 18 would also include an appropriate anti-tampering seal to assurethe purchaser at the time of purchase.

The flexible bladder receptacle 10 is designed as a replacement for therigid plastic polyethylene bottles presently used in most instances forthe packaging and sale of bottled water. Prefilled flexible bladderreceptacles 10 of the like described could be packaged in six packs, orcases for purchase by the user, or could be stocked on refrigeratorshelves in convenience stores for individual purchase. The flexiblebladder receptacle 10 is designed to be disposable after its contentshave been consumed. However, that is not to say that the purchaser andconsumer could not remove the closure means 18 and clean the interior ofthe bladder by rinsing such that the consumer or user could then refillthe flexible bladder receptacle 10 with a similar liquid or alternativebeverage.

In order to avoid the awkwardness of carrying around the flexiblebladder receptacle 10 in the same manner as individuals presently carryaround a bottle of water, a flexible carry bag 20 would receive theflexible bladder receptacle 10. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2,and 3, the flexible carry bag 20 comprises a kidney-shaped bag having afirst end 22 circumference greater than the second end 24 circumferencethereby being compatible with the shape of the flexible bladderreceptacle 10. In the embodiment shown, the flexible carry bag 20 wouldbe secured about its periphery 26 with a seam 28. An opening 30 with aclosure means 31 for the insertion of the flexible bladder receptacle 10would be formed along edge 33 in alignment with seam 28. One side wall32 of the flexible carry bag 20 would have a flap means 34 which wouldextend over the opposing side wall 36 of flexible carry bag 20. Theunderside of flap means 34 and the opposing side wall 36 would besecured by a hook and loop fastener 38 or the like after insertion ofthe flexible bladder receptacle 10. In this configuration afterinsertion of the flexible bladder receptacle 10, the closure means 16would extend outwardly from the flexible carry bag 20 through anaperture 40 formed when flap means 34 were secured to the opposing sidewall 36. In addition to flap means 34, carry bag 20 could also be formedwith a zipper closure means 31 in alignment with seam 28 along the upperperiphery of carry bag 20.

Flexible carry bag 20 would also have a supporting means 42 securedthereto. In the embodiment shown, the support means 42 consists of anadjustable strap secured to the flexible carry bag 20 at opposing ends.Strap means 42 could be of a sufficient length to allow the user toplace the strap on their shoulder and carry the flexible carry bag 20and inserted flexible bladder receptacle 10 as hanging from theirshoulder at their waist.

Other embodiments of a support means 42 may also be developed withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. As an example, aclip means could be incorporated on one side wall of the flexible carrybag 20 for engagement with a waist belt. Additionally, flexible carrybag 20 could also be formed with other receptacles or pockets 46 with orwithout closure means which would allow the user or consumer to storekeys, change or money.

In the embodiments shown, the user would make a one time purchase of aflexible carry bag 20 and thereafter purchase the flexible bladderreceptacle either individually or in bulk and after appropriaterefrigeration if desired, insert the flexible bladder receptacle 10 intothe flexible carry bag 20 for transport and use.

While the present invention has been described with respect to theexemplary embodiments thereof, it will be recognized by those ofordinary skill in the art that many modifications or changes can beachieved without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Therefore it is manifestly intended that the invention be limited onlyby the scope of the claims and the equivalence thereof.

1. A flexible carry bag with fluid bladder comprising: a kidney-shapedcarry bag generally oval in longitudinal cross section formed from twocomplimentary panels secured about a portion of said panels peripheries,thereby defining an opening proximate one end thereof and akidney-shaped cavity; a resilient disposable fluid bladder forcontainment of a fluid, generally oval in longitudinal cross sectionformed from two complimentary panels secured about said panelsperipheries and defining an opening at one end thereof, said opening insaid fluid bladder having a closure means formed thereon for thedispensing from said fluid bladder, said fluid bladder shape when filledbeing complimentary with said kidney-shaped cavity of said carry bag,said fluid bladder having no shape when emptied; a closure means securedto said carry bag for partial closure of said opening of said carry bag,said closure means secured to said carry bag permitting the insertionand removal of said fluid bladder, said closure means of said fluidbladder extending outwardly from said carry bag when said closure meansof said carry bag is in a closed position.
 2. The flexible carry bag andfluid bladder in accordance with claim 1 wherein said closure meanssecured to said carry bag is a flap permanently secured to one of saidpanels of said carry bag and means for securing to said opposing panel.3. A flexible carry bag with fluid bladder in accordance with claim 1wherein said closure means of said carry bag is a zipper securingopposing panels of said carry bag.
 4. The flexible carry bag with fluidbladder in accordance with claim 1 wherein said closure means of saidfluid bladder is a threaded closure.